“I don’t really know how to use technically, literally, basically. I see native speakers using these words when they gesture with their fingers by making air quotes in a conversation. It looks really natural to me but I am not sure when and how to use them.”

-AEE Listener

Technically: Use this when you are about to break something down or correct someone. You can use it if someone misuses something.

The article suggested that the reason for this is the fact that we are always looking for drama and “literally” creates a sense of drama. But when we use literally in this way it makes us sound unoriginal and not very articulate.

What should you do if you are using literally incorrectly?

Use other intensifiers and do it in a different way.

Start your phrase with “It was incredible. There were so many people in the club!” or “It was astounding! There were so many people in the club.”